By Ile Ife, Osun, Nigeria – The newly elected Central Executives Council (CEC) members of the Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun state, were officially inaugurated on August 7, 2025, at the Ajose Lecture Theatre. The event was attended by university principal officers, representatives from the Division of Student Affairs, and students.
The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem and the Great Ife Anthem, followed by a welcome address from the Dean, Division of Student Affairs, Professor J.A. Odedire. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, was Professor E. O. Akinfala, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who delivered a goodwill message on his behalf. He began by giving thanks to God and acknowledging all dignitaries present. He praised the Electoral Commission for conducting a free and fair election and commended the emergence of a new set of student leaders.
Professor Akinfala urged the new executives to work closely with the university management and stressed the importance of responsible leadership, mutual respect, and collaboration. He reminded them of the union’s progressive slogan, “Forward ever, backwards never,” and encouraged them to live up to that ideal. He also applauded Professor Odedire for his continued commitment to student development. He then, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, formally inaugurated the Central Executives Council members, officially declaring them leaders of the Students’ Union for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Following this, the Speaker of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Honourable Ademola Awe from the Faculty of Pharmacy, conducted the swearing-in of both the Central Executive Council (CEC) and Hall Executive Council (HEC) members. He announced that the swearing-in of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) members would take place later at 1:00 PM at Awolowo Café.
During the inaugural speech, the new Union President, Oluwatodimu David Adelani (Itabi), delivered his inaugural address titled ‘A New Era: A Legacy of Student Unionism with Purpose and Vision.’ He began by expressing deep gratitude to the Great Ife students for their trust. He pledged to serve diligently and lead alongside his fellow executives with dedication and purpose.
In his speech, he expressed a deep commitment to fostering a “Greater Ife,” emphasising unity and purpose. David acknowledged the support of key university figures, including the Vice Chancellor and various deans, while honouring the students who entrusted them with leadership. He further highlighted the readiness of the students of Obafemi Awolowo University for change and improvement, declaring a vision for enhanced living conditions, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth.
In addition, asserted that the union will actively pursue solutions rather than passively accept circumstances. They reject oppression and commit to transparency, justice, and innovation. According to him, the aim is to create a new form of unionism that prioritises student welfare, reforming essential services like healthcare to ensure all students receive the support they need. The message is one of empowerment, collaboration, and a shared mission towards progress.
Dr. L. O. Olasunkanmi, the Vice Dean of DSA, in his closing remark, also addressed the newly elected members of the Students’ Union, urging them to focus on ensuring that students complete their healthcare registration.
The other members of the Central Executives Council include: Falade Iyanuoluwa Aanuoluwapo (Iyanuoluwa), Vice-President; Habeeb Oke Isa (Opeyemi), Secretary-General; Usman Yinka Okunola (Comrade Ola), Assistant Secretary-General; Ogunleye Dare (Fact), Financial Secretary; Oreoluwa Joseph Olowosile (Wa à là), Public Relations Officer; Musab Okunola Shuaib-Osunleke (Musab), Welfare Director; Abubakare David Opeoluwa (Hado), Director of Socials and Culture; and Ayotomiwa G. Oginni (Tommy), Director of Sports.
